Army Chief Apologizes to Public for Failing to Oppose Rebellion

"Not All Army Members Were Rebels"

Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyuha stated on the 24th regarding the 12·3 Martial Law, "In the face of a major crisis for democracy in the Republic of Korea, I remained silent despite knowing it was wrong," and added, "As a general, I failed to stand against the act of rebellion that endangered the nation by mobilizing the military."

Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyuha is responding to a lawmaker's question at the National Defense Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 29th. 2025.9.29 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the National Assembly National Defense Committee's Army Headquarters audit held in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province on this day, Kim said, "I sincerely apologize for causing great disappointment and deep wounds to the people." At the time of the 12·3 Martial Law, Kim was the commander of the Army Missile Strategic Command.

Kim emphasized, however, "Not all members of the Army were part of the rebel forces," and stated, "Responsibility lies with a small number of senior military leaders and those who supported them; all other soldiers were members of the national military dedicated to protecting the people."

Kim further pledged to do his utmost to identify and take appropriate measures against military personnel who supported the martial law as well as those whose involvement has not yet been fully revealed.